A Kiss in Ba Sing Se

[A/N: Where are we afraid to go?

What are we afraid to admit?

Are friends, truly friends?

How much do we understand about ourselves?

A simple game can make life just so... complex!

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender

Comment if you wish... I always enjoy responding.]

Chapter 52

Play On!

Sokka's heart started to pound in his chest as a sheepish smile crept across his ruddy face.

"Uh... cheating how... in what way Katara?" he asked, hoping it was not about what he had witnessed in that park a few days prior.

"The game," she stated flatly. "What else would I be talking about… duhhh? Keep up with me here. You seem almost as ditzy as Mai was. What's going on with you two?"

Sokka nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "Ditzy… me? No way... nothings going on between us. What have you been drinking sis? That's just crazy talk now Katara," he denied as he waved her off.

She peered at him through the corner of her eye, "Well, you two put on a really good show. That was certainly a convincing act. Look, I think Suki is over there trying to calm Zuko down still. The spirits only know where Mai ran off to. I think they both got a bit hot over a stupid game."

He smiled dubiously back at her,"And you're not? Talking about Toph is cheating in some weird way?" he pointed out.

"Hey... I have a valid point and you would see that if you weren't being all... ditzy over her Gloominess !" Katara yelled with a scowl.

"I told you... I'm not ditzy over anybody!" he fired back rolling his big blue eyes in aggravation. "I mean sis, let's get to the point. How can a blind girl cheat in a game that uses colors. She can't see! We all know she can't see. Even when I thought she really could see, and was just fooling all of us, I then found out... no, she really couldn't see!" he uttered throwing up his hands. "You have to see to cheat at colors Katara! Please, if you've figured out how she's using earthbending to see colors, clue me in here. How is she doing this... huh, cheating sis?" he challenged her.

Katara huffed, "I don't know? But I know her. She always finds a way to get what she wants Sokka. You know that better than anyone. You told me, Bei Fong's never gamble and they always play to win, no matter what. That little mud sucker I know has found a way to fix this game. Name one game or bet Toph has ever lost Sokka?" she countered, pointing a finger in his face.

The young man stroked his chin. "Eh, only that Earth Rumble with Aang, way back when we first met her. That's the only time I can recall, but that doesn't mean she was cheating to win all those matches. You saw her put the beat down on all those guys all at once. Besides, she's just good at games period. That's not proof she cheating here."

His sister leaned her face close to his. "So all those times she caused the stones to roll to her advantage or read under the cards with her earth sight wasn't cheating?" Katara challenged with a smirk.

Sokka stepped back, "Too close sis, especially after what we just did," he reminded her.

Her cheeks flushed, "Oh, sorry..." she replied as she turned aside. "Too bad it was so wet," she mumbled.

He smiled lightly, "I thought... it was just right. Like old times."

The moment of silence that passed between the siblings reverberated with the warmth of their feelings and a discomfort that didn't allow them to look at one another.

Sokka cleared his throat, "Hmph, well... you do make a good point sis. I did make a sizable profit at that last crooked crap game in Omashu. She is good at manipulating the game. And as I recal... huh, you didn't do too badly yourself."

Her left eye twitched, "That's beside the point. I-it was part of the mission. You do remember the mission Bumi asked us to do? Get rid of that band of swindlers plaguing the city. We got the bad guys didn't we? So what I got a new outfit... or three out of it. Those con-men stole all that money from other people... "

"Maybe we should have turned it in to the authorities... along with those guys," Sokka suggested with a knowing look.

Katara'a lips thinned, "B-but I think I've made my point. She's cheating... an-and trying to get me all riled up about Aang!"

He now fixed his gaze upon his sister, "Aang, why Aang sis?"

"How are you doing milord," the Fan Master asked as she approached the glowering young monarch.

"Suki," he exclaimed as all his anger seemed to instantly fall away as his eyes met hers. "Is this wise... Sokka is right..."

"It's fine, fine," she assured him, touching his forearm. "When he's talking to his sister, the building could be falling in for all he cares," she remarked, still looking into his golden eyes. "But you, you were pretty upset with her... why?"

Zuko looked down shaking his head. "I-I don't know. I mean... it's just a game. So what she didn't want to tell everybody about her private life... that's Mai. You know... she's a private person like that."

The warrior nodded, "Yeah, but it still hurt your pride didn't it?"

His shoulders slumped forward, "You know me far too well... far, far too well, Suki."

"And then seeing her getting all gooey over your friend there... I can understand," she commented with a half-smile.

The Fire Lord took a deep breath as he put on a tight-lipped smile, "And I thought you were a bit over the top there when Mai laid on his chest... you looked as if you were going to put her in a Kyoshi choke hold."

Suki giggled, "So... I guess... we both protested too much, didn't we? When we kissed, Sokka just told me," her voice seemed to catch, "... good job. That bastard... that's all he said. Doesn't he care I that I was kissing a handsome guy right in front of him?"

Zuko lifted his good eyebrow,"Sounds like him. Tomorrow though, he'll get really pissed and say something snarky at me. That's his way. He tries to take the high road.. when he can."

The Kyoshi Captain crossed her arms, "Like he has the right to make any kind of comment after that little act he just put on? I thought those two were going to start doing it right there! Seriously, Zuko... I mean milord..."

"Zuko is fine Suki, how many times have I told you that. You aren't my... bodyguard anymore," he reminded her, a red rush blooming in his cheeks.

The warmth that filled her face echoed his. "A most... memorable time. One I shall always cherish," she whispered softly.

"I too," he agreed, staring into her blue-green eyes. "You know... I still..."

"Hush... we, you can't say anymore," she warned biting at her lower lip. "I felt your feelings... through our kiss. I thought that last time... would be our last. Can I just say, I had to hold myself back, milord."

Zuko covered his eyes as he chuckled lightly, "Look at the two of us. Jealous, and yet..."

Suki again touched his arm, "I know... with you, I can't seem to help myself. I love him, but with you, I'm like a marsh-moth to a candle. I know you'll only burn me... but I want to get burned nonetheless," she sighed.

His hand covered hers, "We've already been down this road Suki, more than once. After that last night, we said we would forget everything... never bring it up again. That we had our fill. I swear, I will never let my weakness take hold ever again. I don't think either one of us can afford too... we did agree," he said softly.

She breathed out slowly. "Yes, we did agree, yet I felt your heart beating so hard... as though it was reaching for me straight through your chest as we kissed. Just as before... all those times before."

"Suki, we have to be reasonable," he urged her. "We only had two choices. Tell them or stop the sneaking into dark corners and unkempt rooms at the palace, hoping that no one would notice we were absent at the same time. You do recall, both our consciences were getting the better of us... and I know Mai suspected something, though I think she was keeping an eye on Katara," he pointed out with a nod.

The Fan Master rolled her eyes, "Well... I may have had a little to do with that. I left a few clues for her to follow, after you told me about what happened that night you and Katara defeated Azula."

The look of shock on his face was poignant. "Oh my darling... why?" he asked in a gasp.

She shivered, "It's nice to hear you call me that once more... Zuko," she exclaimed, her eyes tearing.

"Sorry... I slipped, but why Suki? You know... you've put Katara's life endanger doing such a thing," he stated looking seriously at her.

She only smiled indifferently. "Have I done anything different from you milord? Pretending to make eyes at her, talking her up... even to Mai? Wasn't that putting her more in harm's way? Now that I think about it, when we were together... funny, I heard not one mention of the astoundingly beautiful waterbender. In the beginning, I did think you were using me as a substitute..."

"I would never..." he vehemently denied as he jumped in.

"Shhh... keep your voice down," she told him looking about. "Though I don't think it'll matter. Sokka and Katara seem to be going at it... as usual, but Aang is hanging out at that pillar. I'd bet you 100 gold, I know who's behind there," Suki laughed sardonically.

"My darling, you know I didn't use you... I never meant to give you that..." Zuko yammered.

"I know, I know," she replied squeezing his arm comfortingly. "I know that now my precious lord. You would never do such a cruel and heartless thing. But I couldn't help but feel jealous of her when your eyes fell upon her. Even today... the way you stared at her... is she that so amazing?" Suki asked as her voice caught.

"People expect me to look her way... and yes, she is quite a treat. But, Suki... it's you, Agni help me, it's you, I want to feast upon," he retorted letting his eyes look her up and down now. "You're more than beautiful... ravishing is the only word that comes to my mind."

She turned more forward to give him even a better view, "I know what we had was... special. I never meant for it to happen... it just did," she gasped as she gazed longingly into his eyes. "Oh... how I've missed you so much... no matter how much I want to forget those days and nights... I just..."

"Come to my room after this," the Fire Lord suddenly requested in a heated whispered.

"So... let me get this straight... because now I know for sure my sister has gone totally moon crazy!" the Vice Regent cried as he slapped his forehead for what felt like the hundredth time. "So follow me here and see if I'm covering all the details. First, you, my smart and lovely sister, made a bet... but not just any bet, but a bet that would setup her new boyfriend on a date with her longtime best friend. Not only that... you let probably the most crafty person we both personally know set the terms of that bet... am I right so far, genius? Did I get that wrong, or are Suki, Mai and Zuko all lying to me."

"B-but it was simply about who was prettier Sokka! I thought..."

He raised a hand to cut off her rant. "Ah, I see the problem now... you thought. You thought you were prettier than Toph and that everyone would agree with you, right?" he asked shaking his head.

The waterbender frowned deeply and she crossed her arms over her breast.

He took hold of her hands and pulled her arms away from her. "You see Katara... let me educate you. That little bet of yours, it had nothing to do with your looks, but everything to do with your pride. She played you. She knew that you would let your pride get the best of you. That you still saw her as that twelve-year-old, dirt covered ragamuffin that joined us way back when. But open your eyes sis, she's grown up and cleaned up real good... and I do men real good. That orchid dress... by the seas and winds, she iced that thing. If you were betting against her in that... you lost before you even started."

She blew out her cheeks, "Thanks for having faith in me big bro... not! I thought if anybody would believe in me, you would!"

Sokka heard the hurt in her voice but knew this was a tough lesson she had to learn. "I do believe in you sis, I always have. To me... you are the most beautiful woman in the world. I would have loved to seen you in that orchid dress... turquoise blue maybe," he mused with a wink.

Katara looked down, pursing her lips. "Really? I saw such a dress in the wardrobe. It was even the right color, but the cut... a bit low for me, I felt at the time. But after wearing all these other flimsy things... that looks modest now. I-I could wear it tomorrow... if you wish," she said softly.

He tilted her chin up with a finger so that they were once again looking into each others eyes. "I think... I would definitely like to see that," he retorted in a near whisper. "I'd bet you could give her a run for her money then... double or nothing! I'll be right there to support you sis. You know this is her territory. Hell, even the help look like her. How freaky is that!" he commented with a short chortled.

Katara bowed her head once more. "About that Sokka... I have to tell you. I think I made a terrible mistake," she choked out as the tears started to flow.

He stepped back, his face losing all emotion, "What did you do now Katara?"

She swallowed hard as she turned her back to him and braced for the worst. "You see... most understanding, patient and caring brother in all the world..."

"What did you do Katara," he repeated sternly.

She felt her hands shaking as she rubbed them together. He had that effect on her at times.

"Well... you see... I told Toph, uhm..." she started to whine out.

"Go on Katara, the faster you spill it, the faster we can fix this," he encouraged her in a fatherly tone.

"Okay... alright then, here it is Sokka. I told Toph that Aang could be her boyfriend for a day with no strings attached," she finally blurted out.

Katara closed her eyes tightly awaiting the obvious hail of criticism that she had pummeled herself with. Instead she felt his arms enfold her and draw her back to himself. The surge of mixed emotion caused her to slump.

"I guess... there is no fixing this one sis," he sighed into her ear. "You probably bought the I'm the shy girl act... didn't you? Thought that after a date, she would realize that chasing after him was useless, right?" he summarized.

She spun about in his arms, laying her head upon his chest. "Yes... all so true. I've been a total fool Sokka... and I've lost him, haven't I?" she asked weakly.

"It looks pretty bleak sis, I have to be honest. Look over by the door," he directed her. Do you see Aang over there, laughing and having a great time talking to that pillar?"

She turned her head just enough to keep contact with him but see what he was describing. Indeed, there was Aang with almost that boyish glow she had first seen him with. Laughing and talking freely. Occasionally, his head would dive behind the column for a few moments.

"I'll give you three guesses who's behind that pillar, and the first two don't count sis," he stated somberly. "If you want your guy back, you're gonna have to fight her Katara and even though she like a sister to me... you are my sister, and I'll always be here for you."

His word knotted deep within her chest as she turned her eyes up to look into his crystal blues.

"I love Sokka," she whispered, seeing only him now.

He smiled lovingly, "And I you... more than life," he replied as she sprang up to press her lips to his.

No one, save for Mei Mei watched as the siblings held their position for a time.

"Lucky bitch!" the Toph look-a-like swore as she nudged Lei.

"Must you make everything filthy Mei Mei... it's nice to see siblings get along," Lei said with a warm smile.

"Yeah... you're right Lei, the waterbender would never think of her handsome, strong, hot brother like that. Wish I had a brother..." she sighed.

Lady Lei appeared puzzled, "Uh, Mei Mei, you do have a brother... in fact you have three."

She smiled sensuously in reply, "I don't have a brother that looks or kisses like that. Believe me... I've tried them all."

"Ew... that's just gross Mei Mei... truly gross. You cannot mean... even Chiang... he's so innocent!"

"Was innocent Lei," she corrected her cousin with a side glance.

A chime sounded marking the restart of the game.

Suki, Zuko and Sokka all started to take up their places around the board.

Katara noticed that Aang was still chatting away with this favorite post.

"By the spirits..." she muttered as she made her way over to him just as his head was moving back.

For her, it was like a dream or a vision. His eyes were half-open, but that bliss filled look was unmistakable. A thin, shimmering thread appeared to be coming from his mouth, illuminated by the glowing greenish-white crystals that lit up the room. Instantly her eyes followed it to its end behind the column as she walked up and around it. Seeing Toph was no surprise, but the expression on her face was. The enraptured expression of the princess caused her to gasp in sharply. Toph's normally ever open and unblinking eyes were closed and her lips slightly parted. That thread Katara had so carefully pursued, was hanging from the princess' bottom lip, so delicately poised as to be almost ethereal in nature.

Katara had to blink... if not from the shock, but from the surreal feeling the scene created.

The moment she did, it was all gone. Aang and Toph were chatting away as normal. No bliss, nor enraptured looks... nor the telltale spittle trail. In fact, the little general looked a bit annoyed as she punched the Avatar in the shoulder.

"Ow... what was that for?" he asked in apparent surprise.

"That was for letting me suck on your nasty nose... you could have helped me out!" she replied. "Told you, I would get you back."

"But it was funny... wasn't it funny Katara?" he asked as he turned her way with ease.

"Yeah... hilarious," she responded flatly, unable to shake her vision. "The game is starting... I want to get this over with."

The Avatar took in a deep breath as steadied himself.

Katara walked ahead of them, not bothering to look back.

"That was too close Twinkle Toes... she almost busted us!" the princess warned. "I thought you were looking out?"

"And I thought you could pickup when someone was coming," he countered, bumping slightly into her.

"Not when you're kissing me and grabbing my tit," she huffed, her cheeks filling again.

"We'll definitely have to practice that skill," he chuckled enjoying her reddening blush.

Lady Fong now stepped forward, scanning the game's remaining participants. "It is now your turn once more Avatar Aang. May the spirits whom you hold dear, guide your choices. We it appears Lady Mai has retired."

"Like hell's fire I have!" Mai blared as she walked up to them, the decanter of port half full. "I'm in this to the end... I'll kiss any of ya!"

"Mai, you're really drunk now," Zuko stated as he rose to intercept her, attempting to take her arm.

"Don't touch me! And you're mean and stupid," she answered back. "I'm going over here to sit with my good friend Suki... she's always been nice to me. Even when I was a bitch," she slurred, plopping down between Sokka and Suki.

The Fire Lord grinned broadly, "Okay, then can I trust her to your care... Lady Suki?"

"Sure," she replied with a wink. "We're best buds."

Fong appeared a bit amused as Mai laid her head on Suki's shoulder. "Now I stand corrected and everyone accounted for. Lady Lei, will you please pass the articles to his Grace?"

With a small bow Aang received the satin bag of questions. He dug to the bottom taking out a crinkly sounding one. He then handed it to Fong with a huge grin, not caring what it said.

"It is good to see you really enjoying this game, your Grace," the brown-eyed lady mused. "You have quite a competitive group here. Everyone is still present and eager to win. Now for the question: Who are you thinking about having sexual relations with in this room right now?"

Toph and Katara stiffened, giving Aang their full attention. Even Sokka stopped pushing Mai's errant hand away from his lap to listen for the young monk's choice.

Lady Fong mouth formed a half-smile. "Oh, my dear Avatar… this could be quite a disclosure… unless you choose the kiss. Remember, you must limit your response to players only."

Aang suddenly turned her way,"Are you sure... really... well if I must," he teased.

"Please, your Grace... such things are not amusing," the flustered lady stated.

"Yes they are," Mei Mei cut in. "Just be the judge Fong, I'll be the moderator. And your Grace, if you say me... here and now is fine."

This time it was Aang's turn to become flustered. "Uh, uh... that's okay. I'll stick with the rules."

Mai Mai bowed enough to reveal her ample cleavage. "Your loss, but I guess the game must take precedence. You've already shown you are not timid in the least. Female or male, isn't that correct Fire Lord. See your Grace, he is still blushing from the mere thought of it. Will fate allow a second time, maybe even deeper? Oh the thrill of it all! So what will it be?" she asked in a peaked voice.

The airbender began to pat his chin, appearing to be deep in thought. Clearly the strain among his companions was rising in proportion to the time he was taking to ponder his course of action.

"Dammit Aang, choose!" Suki finally yelled. "With the exception of Katara, Mai and Sokka, you've already swapped spit with everyone else here! Besides that, we all know how you feel about Katara, just answer the question! I'll make sure Sokka won't hurt you too badly!"

The MC took a deep breath, "Capt. Suki, you are out-of-order and making some careless presumptions. Who but the man knows his own thoughts or intents in the moment? The way he kissed you, you might be the object of his desires, here and now. Remember, lust has nothing to do with love," Mei Mei pointed out, licking her finger.

The words gripped the Fan Master as she gulped. Suki slowly turned to see Aang dreamily looking her way. The flush of heat that moved across her face turned her skin a peach color. "No Aang," she mouthed, as her chest tightened.

She had been his first purple pick. It was a literally a religious experience for the Avatar worshiper. Aang had found it quite intense as well, holding it a second after the three count to Sokka's, Katara's and Toph's chagrin.

Suki's heart started beating again once the young monk's attention drifted playfully over to Sokka.

"You know better than play with me like that bro," the warrior warned harshly. "Hurt or not, I'll smack you in your goofy head!"

"The Kiss," the airbender announced loudly with a big cheesy grin.

"I thought we were going to have a bit of drama for a moment," the brash lady commented. "So now pull a ribbon of choice your Grace from the silk bag if you would please."

Aang ruffled around in the bag and pulled one, presenting it to Fong. "This doesn't happen often. But Fate has chosen our beloved princess for the second time in a row!"

Toph sat forward, "Wha, me again! Maybe after four tries on the last attempt, you'll get it right the first time, airhead!" she chastised him playfully.

"Excuse me, I wasn't the one choking and biting every time I put it in Sifu!" he retorted with a roll of his eyes. "Why her! What did I do to you spirits to deserve this?" he feigned complaint.

"You... what about me?" she gawked standing in front of him. "I'm not use to someone trying to tickle my tonsils... a little warning would have been nice ya know! First timer here Twinkle Toes! I didn't have a Sugar Queen for practice."

Fong raised her hands, "Hopefully, his grace and her majesty will get the timing worked out on this round, but first the die must be cast to determine the type. Roll, please Avatar."

Aang threw the die upon the board. As it tumbled, it seemed to be rolling towards the white, then suddenly, it took one more fall and ended…

"Purple and dotted, again is the color," Lady Fong announced. "It does seems that the spirits are making quite a statement!"

"Is it fate, or is it a certain cheat'n runaway," Katara snapped standing up. "That die was gonna be white. She bent it!"

"I can assure you Ambassador Katara, that is quite impossible," Mei Mei replied.

"And why is that? I've seen her in action before, and she is pretty crafty," Katara pointed out.

"The set is handmade from a very hardwood resembling stone, called ironwood. It cost me 200 large gold pieces from the Scarabons, (Beetle Head guys) and is said to have a hollow center in the die where a spirit dwells. That would account for the erratic behavior. As Lei and Fong can attest, the die has a will of its own. Cousin can bend earth and metal, but even you know, wood is still beyond her abilities," the busty lady pointed out.

The waterbender folded her arms, "I dunno, I still think something is going on here and I'd like to know what!"

"Would it ease your mind my Lady, if the princess swore her sacred oath before you, that she is not manipulating the game," Lei offered soothingly, "I'm sure cousin would do that."

Katara browsed the room seeing the others looks of disapproval, "Don't give me the stink eye you guys, I have every right to be suspicious of her!" she complained moving her hands to her hips.

"You're right Madame Fussy Britches, you do have every right to be on guard against me. But maybe not for the reasons you're thinking about Suga. I am the best gamer in this room," Toph bragged openly. "But if I could bend the die, then why did it roll red when I pulled you? You know me, I would have made it purple dotty thingy... whatever, to force you from the game! You're sandwiched between lover boys, Heat Wave and Airhead and you didn't seem to mind mixing it up with Snoozels either. That definitely puts the rest of us at a disadvantage."

"Oh that's how you Bei Fongs play, always to win at any cost. Then you should know, you little shrew-mouse, I would rather have my lips chapped and bleeding before I admit defeat to you!" the waterbender declared. "As for that fantasy you've just conjured up about Aang, Zuko and I, it is out of your own twisted, sick mind."

The petite princess glowered, "Eh, that is possibly true, but I'm not the one needing a transfusion after they just pressed lips, Queen Perv. Even thinking about what I just said is causing your pressure to rise!"

"Is not," Katara denied as she did a little secret blood bending. "Go on... kiss him. See if I care, you-you cheater!"

"Before we can continue with the game, we have a question of ethics," Fong announced to the group. "This must be settled or the spirits maybe offended. So I need to ask you my liege, by the same vow that you took when you promised to be truthful, have you manipulated the events of this game to your favor in any way?"

A somber look came upon Toph's face as she turned towards Katara, "I swear by all I hold dear and sacred, Spirits of Earth and Stone... I have not cheated once."

"Does this settle it for you ambassador?" Lady Fong asked gently. "You know the princess as well as anyone."

Katara sighed, "Yeah, sorry for calling you a cheater Toph. I guess I was just stressed out. You know about you, and Aang... kissing and all, I even thought back there... for a moment... never mind," she said shaking her head. But I have to admit, the first time was pretty funny. You sucking his nose! A little bugger suga!"

"Apology accepted Sweetness," Toph exclaimed as turned towards Aang, letting Katara have her fun. "You know Sweetness, jealously can't be helped when you see your guy lip locking with someone as gorgeous as me."

The waterbender's laughter ceased. "Now for the life of me, I don't know why I was jealous at all. Go get you some more... bugger suga."

"How did you do it Aang?" Toph whispered to him that as they stood face-to-face. "Aren't you afraid of tempting fate?"

"I didn't do anything," he replied as she felt his honesty when he pulled her in tighter. "The spirits must be with us."

"Careful, you're on the rise again Twinkle Toes," she giggled. "Not that I mind. I wish we could be like this forever."

Without thought, the airbender's hand slipped off her waist to grasp her buttocks. As her mouth dropped open in shock, the Avatar took full advantage, not waiting for the judge to indicate the start.

There was no pretense as lovers fully engaged in a deep, passionate moment.

Katara reclaimed her jealous fervor at the vision and started to look for the nearest source of liquid to hose the two down.

A wave of light passed through the young blind woman's mind, exploding the darkness that perpetually existed. She felt as though she was floating, no flying as they did when they had left the quarry. Something more than a mere kiss was happening!

"Stay back Katara!" Sokka yelled, stumbling over towards his sister. "Something strange is happening here!"

"I know what's strange," the furious waterbender growled pointing at Toph. "That slimy rock troll is trying to take my place!"

"No Katara, look!" her brother corrected her. "Aang is glowing. He's in the Avatar state! That can only mean he is in the spirit world!"

"What about Toph?" Suki inquired stepping next to Sokka.

"She has to be with him, I guess," Zuko stated. "Look at Aang's light, its looping in and around her. My uncle is more of an expert in this kind of stuff than me."

"But look at the board," Mai pointed out. "Those three colored lights coming off that die, they're swirling around both of them!"

"Whatever spirit lives in there, I think is trying to communicate with Aang," Katara summarized, "I guess you got your monies worth Mei Mei."

"So what do we do?" Suki asked, taking Sokka's hand.

"Wait," Katara replied. "When it comes to the spirit world, all we can do is wait."

"Go get Lili," Fong ordered Mei Mei and Lei.